So, you’ve found yourself in Germany, and now you need to send a package to your family back home or finally post that important paperwork. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the options, rules, and sometimes puzzling German efficiency, you’re not alone. This guide is here to make sending mail in Germany easy, whether it’s a simple letter or a bulky package. We’re looking at various available postal services, what makes each one special, and at the end of the blog post, you’ll find a downloadable cheat sheet to decode terms like “Nachnahme” (not to confuse with “Nachname” which means last name) and handy German phrases for your next post office visit. So, how to send mail in Germany? Let’s dive in!
1. The Basics of Mailing in Germany
First things first: Germany has a solid mailing system, but knowing the basics will save you time and stress.
Post Offices vs. Paketshops
The main player in Germany is Deutsche Post/DHL, with post offices (Postfilialen) found in almost every town. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, you’ll find Paketshops for services like GLS, Hermes, or DPD hidden in kiosks, small shops, and even petrol stations. They’re great for dropping off packages outside regular post office hours.
Pro Tip: Look for signs that say “Paketshop” or stickers of the corresponding postal service logo in the windows of convenience stores—these are often Paketshop locations. You can also search for the service name on Google Maps to find locations.
Types of Services
- Letters (Brief): For simple envelopes and documents.
- Small Parcels (Päckchen): Light packages up to 2 kg.
- Packages (Paket): Heavier or larger shipments.
2. Overview of Major Service Providers
Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about the main players in Germany’s postal game, their pros, cons, and how to make the most of them.
DHL (Deutsche Post)
The biggest name in the game.
- Pros: Reliable, extensive network, international shipping, and lots of post offices.
- Cons: Long queues, slightly pricier than some competitors.
- Good to Know: Save time by using the DHL app to create labels and cut your time spent at post offices in half. They even have self-service kiosks in some locations!
- Website: DHL (packages) / Deutsche Post (letters)
Hermes
A budget-friendly alternative.
- Pros: Affordable for domestic shipping and widely available Paketshops.
- Cons: Delivery can be slower, and international shipping isn’t their forte.
- Good to Know: Hermes Paketshops often stay open late, so they’re perfect for last-minute drop-offs.
- Website: Hermes
GLS (General Logistics Systems)
The slightly under-the-radar option.
- Pros: Quick domestic and international shipping at competitive prices.
- Cons: Fewer Paketshops compared to DHL.
- Good to Know: Their online tools for tracking and booking are super handy!
- Website: GLS
UPS
For when you need speed and quality.
- Pros: Fast, excellent tracking, and great for international shipments.
- Cons: Expensive and fewer drop-off points.
- Good to Know: Best choice for high-value or urgent packages.
- Website: UPS
DPD
A good middle-ground option.
- Pros: Affordable domestic shipping with user-friendly tracking.
- Cons: Fragile items might not be handled with the utmost care.
- Good to Know: They offer home pick-ups, which is great for busy expats or those without a Paketshop nearby.
- Website: DPD
3. Tips and Hacks for Sending Mail in Germany
Weigh It Right
In Germany, size and weight matter. Use a kitchen or bathroom scale to weigh your parcels at home so you know exactly what to expect at the counter (and avoid surprises).
Pack Smart
Germans are sticklers for good packaging. Use sturdy boxes*, plenty of padding, and strong tape*—especially for international shipments. Many Paketshops sell packaging materials if you’re in a pinch. Or if you’re a regular sender of packages because you sell your old clothes on Vinted, kleinanzeigen etc., (btw here’s a guide on how to sell your decluttered items in Germany) I recommend saving old boxes from stuff you ordered instead of throwing them out. I’ve even become the go-to person for friends needing empty boxes as my entire cellar space is filled with them.^^
Print Your Own Labels
Most services let you book online and print labels at home. This not only saves time but often comes with discounts. Just check out their websites and do a little internet search for “POSTAL SERVICE NAME” + “Rabattcode” (discount code) before ordering.
Leverage Parcel Lockers (Packstation)
Packstations are a lifesaver. These self-service lockers are open 24/7, so you can drop off packages whenever it suits you. Plus, you can pick up deliveries there too. If you want to learn more about how they work, check out my blog post. Please note: Packstationen are only operated by Deutsche Post/DHL. If you want to sent/receive packages via another postal service, you need to go to one of their shops. Recently, self-service lockers combining other postal service have been popping up in Berlin, but they’re still rather rare.
4. Good to Know: German Postal Etiquette
Address Formatting
German addresses follow a specific format:
- Street name first, house number second (e.g., “Musterstraße 12”).
- Postcode and city on the next line (e.g., “10115 Berlin”).
Closed on Sundays
Unlike other countries, post offices and Paketshops are typically closed on Sundays. Plan your mailing activities accordingly.
Track Your Parcel
Most services provide a tracking code—use it! It’s a game-changer, especially for international shipments.
5. Choosing the Right Service for Your Needs
Still unsure which provider to use? Here’s a quick breakdown based on common scenarios:
- For Letters and Small Parcels: Stick with Deutsche Post/DHL for reliability.
- For Budget Domestic Shipping: Hermes or DPD offer great rates.
- For Speedy International Shipping: UPS or DHL Express are worth the cost.
- For Convenience: Use a Packstation or schedule a home pick-up via GLS or DPD.
Conclusion
Sending mail in Germany might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but once you’ve navigated the basics, it’s surprisingly straightforward. Whether you’re mailing a birthday gift, returning an online purchase, or sending important documents, there’s a service that fits your needs.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide for easy reference next time you need to send something. And if you’ve got any funny or frustrating postal stories, share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear them! 📦✉️
Bonus: Download Your Free Cheat Sheet
Grab our German Postal Terms Cheat Sheet to decode terms like “Päckchen” and “Nachnahme.” It’s free and will save you from some classic expat headaches.
Happy mailing, and may your packages always arrive safely! 😊
Download it here:
Interested in more things related to life in Germany? Learn more about the Bürgeramt, Bottle Return System, Selling and Donating Decluttered Items, The Best Season to Visit Berlin, and How to Use a Packstation.
Are you traveling to or from Germany?
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